The Candy 11 steps up to the top of Crank Brothers Candy line, which is the platformed version of their Eggbeater cross-country and cyclocross pedals.

Many of the components in this pedal come from the Eggbeater 11. There’s the 6/4 titanium spindle and wings, as well as the blingy gold stainless steel spring.

The difference between the Candy and the Eggbeater is the addition of the aluminum body. The 62mm long, 16mm thick platform gives you something to stand on if you miss clipping in.

This Candy also shares an innovation with the Mallet E, the replaceable traction pads next to the retention system. These can be swapped for different thicknesses (1mm and 2mm included) or taken off completely. The point of them is to customize the contact between your shoe and your pedal. Some won’t want them because they’re shaving grams, others will want the thickest so that their shoe feels firmly attached to the pedal when clipped in.

Bearings are sealed and well-protected. As with many of their pedals, the inner bearings are Igus LL-glide bearings and the outer a super-durable and smooth Enduro cartridge bearings. Even with all this material, the pedals weigh only 249g per pair.

In terms of setting up the cleats, know that Crank designed theirs to offer two different release points. Array the cleats one way, and you shoe will release at fifteen degrees. Array the other, and it will release at 20 degrees.

One thing about titanium-spindled pedals. They have a rider weight limit. Crank Brothers puts that at 200lbs, or 90kg for those in metric lands.

The Crank Brothers Candy 11 Pedals offer both a sizable platform for confidence, and a svelte package for climbing efficiency.